Practical Nursing

Program Overview

This 5-semester Registered Practical Nursing program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on lab and clinical experience. Students develop skills in nursing science, therapeutic relationships, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared for careers in various healthcare settings, including acute care, rehabilitation, and community care. The program emphasizes practical assessments and utilizes guest speakers and diverse instructional strategies.

Program Outline

Outline:

A 400-hour clinical consolidation placement occupies semester 5.

Semester 1

• COMM 110: Communications for College
• NURS 1500: Nursing Science 1
• NURS 1501: Interpersonal Relationships
• NURS 1507: Professional Accountability
• NURS 1502: Nursing Practice Clinical 1
• NURS 1503: Nursing Practice Lab 1
• PHYS 1200: Human Anatomy and Physiology

Semester 2

• NURS 2500: Nursing Science 2
• NURS 2501: Therapeutic Relationships
• NURS 2502: Nursing Practice Clinical 2
• NURS 2503: Nursing Practice Lab 2
• PHAR 1000: Pharmacology
• PHYS 1001: Physical Assessment
• GENE: General Education Course

Semester 3

• NURS 3500: Nursing Science 3
• NURS 3505: Nursing Practice 3
• NURS 3507: Evidence Based Practice
• GENE Online: General Education Online

Semester 4

• NURS 4500: Nursing Science 4
• NURS 4505: Nursing Practice 4
• NURS 4507: Issues and Trends in Nursing
• GENE: General Education Course

Semester 5

• NURS 5500: Comprehensive Exam
• NURS 5505: Practice Consolidation

Assessment:

The program utilizes practical assessments through scenarios and real-case practice. A comprehensive exam finalizes the program.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include theoretical knowledge with practical application through scenarios and lab-based learning. The program utilizes guest speakers and diverse instructional strategies.

Careers:

RPNs can find specialties in pediatrics, maternal care, mental health, operating room services, wound care, palliative care, and community care. RPNs are hired by hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, community and public health agencies, the government, private industry, and international health service agencies.

Other:

• The program requires a laptop that is compatible with the college IT systems for completing assessment requirements.

• Program-specific requirements include a Standard First Aid & CPR Level BLS Certification, completion of the Immunization - Communicable Disease Form, and Police Record Check - Vulnerable Sector Screening.

• The program also has a partnership with the Practical Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bridge Program at SLC, offering already practicing RPNs an opportunity to complete the bridging courses to enter the BScN program.